A1 Hi! I’m Karen Nemeth, co-host of #ELLCHAT and I’m an author/consultant in the field of teaching children who are ELLs/DLLs in early childhood - live in eastern PA
A1) Hello ellchat! I’m Peitra in Massachusetts and teach K-5 ESL. I’m working on an end of semester assignment, so I’ll attempt to multitask;) #ellchat
A2: Being in Thailand, most of my S's home language is Thai. While I'm learning Thai, I'm not fluent. I don't feel like I can support their home language fully in the classroom confidently. Also, I worry about possibly offending S's if I say something incorrectly! #ellchat
A2. One of the challenges is that we have so many different languages represented in our schools. I speak Spanish so communicating with our Spanish speaking families is easy. We've used Language Live but only for conferences and IEP meetings. #ELLChat
This is a huge challenge for me in Thailand. The resources for Thai learners are few and far between. I've asked Thai teachers for help, but even they have trouble finding resources! #ellchat
A2. I have found it challenging to find chapter books in other languages. I have found picture books, but chapter books seem more difficult to purchase. Or when you do find them (besides Spanish), they are very expensive. #ELLChat
A.2 Some of the greatest challenges center around climate and culture of a classroom and/or school. When heritage languages are viewed as assets, students are positioned to become underwriters of language, history, community engagement & heritage preservation. #ellchat
A2) Many teachers see use of home language in school as a hindrance to learning English & may result in students getting accustomed to using it in school. #ELLCHAT
This is what I hear all of the time from schools and districts. It's difficult to support S's home language when there are so many and not enough translators / materials. #ellchat
A2 Prek and K teachers tell me they often have 3, 4 or more languages in one classroom. And, just when they gear up to support one language, that family moves and a different language family appears. We need easy access to lots of language resources to help tchrs respond #ELLCHAT
This always makes me so sad. Students who are bilingual or multilingual have a gift. Teachers need to recognize this strength and allow students opportunities to utilize L1 while learning English & content simultaneously. #ellchat
A2) Many teachers see use of home language in school as a hindrance to learning English & may result in students getting accustomed to using it in school. #ELLCHAT
A.2 Some of the greatest challenges center around climate and culture of a classroom and/or school. When heritage languages are viewed as assets, students are positioned to become underwriters of language, history, community engagement & heritage preservation. #ellchat
A2: I think ts want to support ss with using native language. It's finding balance for Ss with the native language and getting them to English proficiency that we need to do. We need to build NL but help gain proficiency. #Ellchat
A2 Many teachers FEEL that way, but there is so much research to show that is not the problem - students learn more content when you support in L1 that builds stronger foundation for learning in L2 #ELLCHAT I think it’s not strong L1 that’s the problem - it’s WEAK L1 that hurts
A2) Many teachers see use of home language in school as a hindrance to learning English & may result in students getting accustomed to using it in school. #ELLCHAT
A2. I don’t speak anything other than English. And part of me worries that it becomes a crutch. But mostly I don’t mind it. I’m more impressed than anything when I can tell they’re explaining in their home language and then giving me an answer in English. #ELLCHAT
A2: In some cases, it comes down to Ts not wanting to give more agency to Ss, especially if classroom management is an issue & I can't understand lang being used. #ELLChat
A2: Materials in L1s that are not as common are a challenge when supporting the native language. Also, communicating w/ parents can be difficult if you aren’t familiar w/ their L1. #ELLCHAT
A2) Another challenge is when other Ts and admins. see ELs as only Spanish speakers, not thinking on how different languages have their own characteristics, such as pronunciation and syntax. #Ellchat
A2 this brings up many mix-ups regarding ELs. Because their language is so obvious, many issues are attributed. ie Poverty or home stress might cause problems - not the lang, or unprepared tchrs have problem, not the EL students, or under identified special needs? #ELLCHAT
A2: In some cases, it comes down to Ts not wanting to give more agency to Ss, especially if classroom management is an issue & I can't understand lang being used. #ELLChat
That's very true (and they definitely do this). What's tricky is that Thai is a tonal language - if I make a mistake with a tone, it could mean the difference between an every day tier 1 word and a horrific curse word! #ellchat
I agree Shaeley- I have found teachers who feel negatively about students using native language typically have classroom management issues. I’m not saying I’m perfect by any means, but I think with modeling and careful explanation, using L1 is a great asset. #ellchat
A2) I dare say that often at the elementary grade level, I frequently have students who are learning both languages and may even be English dominant. Their only L1 influence may be their parents. #ellchat
A2) It's challenging to get all staff to acknowledge that allowing ELLs to use home languages is way we can see them through the lens of assets #Ellchat
A2 Here you go - just read this Promising Futures report that summarizes all current research on Els preK - 12 and strongly recommends support of L1. It’s only about 500 pages. Why not? ;) Or you get it on line and search for what you want https://t.co/xVYQLM7JiU#ELLCHAT
A2 And! I’ve started picking up on Spanish! I still can’t speak it but I definitely think I can understand what they’re saying! #mindblown#winwin#alwayslearning#ELLChat
It can go both ways. The summer before I started kindergarten, my father told my mom that she was not allowed to speak Spanish to me anymore (funny bc she didn't speak English at the time). He said that he didn't want me to be in bilingual classes. It didn't help at all.
A2 You bring up an interesting point of discussion: Many tchrs are afraid… or forbidden… to use home languages or sign lang. in case they might say the wrong word. I think the value of effort to communicate and build relationship overrides that rare slight problem #ELLCHAT
That's very true (and they definitely do this). What's tricky is that Thai is a tonal language - if I make a mistake with a tone, it could mean the difference between an every day tier 1 word and a horrific curse word! #ellchat
A3: S's feel valued when their language is honored in the classroom. When language is viewed as an asset, students can feel more motivated and less anxious on their language learning journey. #ellchat
A3) I always felt sad when I had a parent tell me that their children could no longer communicate with friends and family in their home country. #ellchat
Very strong points! It's never been an issue in / out of the classroom thus far (at least in my case). If a mistake does occur, it always ends up with us laughing about it. The S's are so eager to help me with my language journey, and they're grateful that I'm learning! #ellchat
A3 Remember in early 90s when Lily Wong Fillmore wrote When Learning a Second Language Means Losing the First - and the cost to families and self esteem when communication breaks down https://t.co/zvFkdiO9Ox#ELLCHAT
A3: Bi/multilingualism truly is a superpower! Ss can communicate w/ a multitude of peers, think about and solve problems through various “lenses”, etc. when they maintain their L1! #ELLCHAT
A3) They feel empowered! I make a big deal about it to them. Look what you CAN do!!! And then I tell them they have a great responsibility to be good at two languages;) #ellchat
A3 This study found Spanish speaking children in PreK suffered teasing and bullying when their teacher spoke no Span, but not when tchr spoke SOME Spanish https://t.co/l4PeHRA47n#ELLCHAT
A3) My grandmother was 6 when she went to school and was told that they would no longer be speaking French at home. I felt so bad when she told me that story. I tried to make it up by learning to speak French fluently. #ellchat
I translated & placed the phrase “Homework due Friday” in English, Spanish & Arabic on my students homework sheets. You should have seen their excitement!! #ellchat
A3. cont: Heritage language preservation encourages a healthy self-identity and enriches students capacities around cognitive function, empathy, flexibility, multi-tasking, tolerance, belonging and world view. #ellchat
A3: Bi/multilingualism truly is a superpower! Ss can communicate w/ a multitude of peers, think about and solve problems through various “lenses”, etc. when they maintain their L1! #ELLCHAT
A3) Something I continually tell my Ss is that at school they should practice their English, but at home they have to speak their L1, specially if they have younger siblings. #ELLCHAT
A4. Now is time to say, @BiliteracySeal! Huge academic benefit for ELLs that can demonstrate proficiency in another language (probably their L1). #ELLChat
A4. Now is time to say, @BiliteracySeal! Huge academic benefit for ELLs that can demonstrate proficiency in another language (probably their L1). #ELLChat
A4: The brain research shows us that students who maintain their home language show more academic gains in learning additional languages. Multi-tasking and better problem solving are only a few cognitive benefits of maintaining both languages. #ellchat
A4) Transfer of knowledge and skills from L1 to English. Use of cognates, if possible. Working together, getting information, or clarifying doubts with Ss that share L1. #Ellchat
A4) According to Fred Genesee "With respect to ELLs, there is undeniable and growing evidence that the home language of ELLs is of considerable benefit to their overall academic success." #ellchat
A3. Research shows that "Children who grow up in bilingual settings reveal advantages over single language children, including both increased attentive focus and cognition." Bilingual Brains – Smarter & Faster | Psychology Today https://t.co/Ug6mHz7pY4#ellchat
A4 Learn more about academic value of supporting home language is presented in user-friendly handouts from Head Start - available in 6 languages - for families and tchrs https://t.co/4sIbnUsFUm#ELLCHAT
A4. A3. Research shows that "Children who grow up in bilingual settings reveal advantages over single language children, including both increased attentive focus and cognition." Bilingual Brains – Smarter & Faster | Psychology Today https://t.co/Ug6mHz7pY4 … #ellchat
A3. cont: Heritage language preservation encourages a healthy self-identity and enriches students capacities around cognitive function, empathy, flexibility, multi-tasking, tolerance, belonging and world view. #ellchat
A4 this research showed the value of explicitly explaining the meanings of words in L1, then connecting them to L2 had great results “Vocabulary Bridging ”https://t.co/B35tnVQZSI#ELLCHAT
A3) Something I continually tell my Ss is that at school they should practice their English, but at home they have to speak their L1, specially if they have younger siblings. #ELLCHAT
A4 for the youngest children, I keep advocating: they need to learn content and concepts on which to build English. Home language support is not just a nice thing to do - it is needed so they can enter prek and learn right away. We can’t wait for Eng to kick in!! #ELLCHAT
A4 Honestly, I am starting to worry when I hear people explain we support home language because bilingualism is good - it puts the need into a far-distant time. Kids need to understand stuff NOW! #ELLCHAT
A2: Currently we’re a bilingual classroom as I speak Spanish and it helps but at times I wonder if it creates a crutch, although it’s afforded me amazing opportunities to get to know my Ss who speak Spanish!
#ELLchat
I'd never heard of @BiliteracySeal. I love it! We need more help getting the word out that it is a huge benefit for Ss to continue to speak and read in their native language. #ellchat
In reply to
@theESLlady, @BiliteracySeal, @BiliteracySeal
A5: We have instructional assistants who are Thai as well as Thai teachers. They've always been more than happy to help translate content specific vocabulary or letters to parents. #ellchat
A3: As my Ss gained more English, they’ve become the help they needed when they first arrived! It’s amazing to see a S translate for a new S, and remembering they were on the other side not too long ago.
#ELLchat
A4) I don't think that we should think of the use of home language in the classroom as a crutch. We use the first language to learn the second language. #ELLCHAT
A2: Currently we’re a bilingual classroom as I speak Spanish and it helps but at times I wonder if it creates a crutch, although it’s afforded me amazing opportunities to get to know my Ss who speak Spanish!
#ELLchat
A4: The bilingual brain allows for an easier transfer of knowledge thus aiding the L2 learning. I have a S who is always stating the Spanish version of concepts introduced whether it be compare/comparar, defend/defender, identify/identificar, etc. #CognatesAreTheBest#ELLCHAT
Just another reason to start learning your students’ languages! Even a few words or phrases can have an impact and the humbling process of learning a language can make teachers more empathetic #ELLCHAT
A3 This study found Spanish speaking children in PreK suffered teasing and bullying when their teacher spoke no Span, but not when tchr spoke SOME Spanish https://t.co/l4PeHRA47n#ELLCHAT
a5 First answer: The LIBRARY! Getting to know the NEW Children’s Librarian - an article i co-wrote for NAEYC now appears here. https://t.co/Vi31lH7XA1#ELLCHAT they have catalogs and funding we never see!
Visit https://t.co/kORvMGvTfP to see if your state has already approved the seal. If so, maybe you can spread the word within your district about it & make it a reality for your Ss!#ellchat
#ELLchat Here’s a resource with ideas on using home languages through reading & writing in secondary ESL classrooms. (Toward end of smore) https://t.co/5ZrJ3PUwB1 Promotes critical thinking, creativity, & deeper understanding of all languages-L1 & L2.
I'd never heard of @BiliteracySeal. I love it! We need more help getting the word out that it is a huge benefit for Ss to continue to speak and read in their native language. #ellchat
In reply to
@theESLlady, @BiliteracySeal, @BiliteracySeal
A4: I’ve worked hard with my Ss to be able to identify cognates and rely on their home language to make meaning from what they’re reading. It’s amazing to watch them translate aloud as they’re reading! The 🧠 is incredible! 💪🏼
#ELLchat
a5 I created this Spanish/English cognate guide with categories of words for each learning domain and ideas for how to use them https://t.co/oTBRdr32Gx#ELLCHAT
A5. One that always comes to mind is https://t.co/wSTuFpTsSc@Unite4Literacy - Ss can read a book in English. They hear it in English and another language page by page. Many languages available. Simple books, but my ELLs love them, especially the non fiction. #ELLChat
A5)School paraprofessionals that speak Ss' L1. Having bilingual dictionaries available. Media center also has books representing Ss' L1. Having Google translate bookmarked at computer. Letting Ss use their phones to translate when appropriate. #Ellchat
A5) ESOL teachers have @LearningAtoZ licenses to use with our Ss in @PGCPSESOL. I’ve been encouraging them to choose a book that I might find a version in their home language. Great success with my 4th graders! #ELLCHAT
A5 I take your google translate book mark and raise it one: Google Translate Mobile App - uses device camera to change the words right before your eyes! #ELLCHAT
A5)School paraprofessionals that speak Ss' L1. Having bilingual dictionaries available. Media center also has books representing Ss' L1. Having Google translate bookmarked at computer. Letting Ss use their phones to translate when appropriate. #Ellchat
A5. Some resources I like to share with parents are @ColorinColorado, @Scholastic, @TEDTalks, @khanacademy. I also connect them with the local library so they can get a library card and check out books. We have an awesome collection of books in other languages. #ellchat
A4) Having the chance to process and discuss concepts in the stronger language frees up cognitive space for deeper levels of thinking. This is why ELs so often become “word callers”- they only practice decoding instead of having a chance to dive deeply into texts #ELLCHAT
A5: Bilingual dictionaries, books in their home language, google translate, and offering courses and clubs that celebrates their home language
#ELLChat
I just shared this with some teachers last week in a training & I wish I could have videoed their reactions! They were amazed! Such a great tool that takes google translate to the next level. #ellchat
A6: Actively seek out resources to help students make connections in their home language. Using dictionaries, videos w/ subtitles, and knowledge of the community (parents, multilingual teachers, #pln) can help T's start supporting S's home language. #ellchat
A6) Not promoting English-only policy all the time. Some teachers need help to understand how important is to let students use their own language at home. #ESOLinAction#ELLCHAT
A6 One important thing monolingual tchrs can do (or those whose languages don’t match students) is let go of their need to control discussions. Allow and encourage children to talk to each other. Rich, engaging environment always yields good conversations #ELLCHAT
A5) My fave resource in the past couple years are Milet Picture Dictionaries. Available in many languages. Awesome for early childhood (and maybe older). They are lovely! My first graders look at them almost daily. https://t.co/DbyKE78kwm#ellchat
A6. I think one easy way is to keep being bilingual in the conversation. Every day I try to ask students how to say a word in their language, or make a connection to it so that they see the value in knowing another language & truly embrace it in school and at home. #ELLChat
A6 Always remember that every child comes with a home language resource…. THEIR FAMILY! Get them involved helping find or create materials, volunteering in class, etc. #ELLCHAT
A6)Provide an environment in which Ss feel confident in using their L1, if needed. Let students translate and use their L1 when needing explanations from peers. #Ellchat
A5) Also wordless picture books to read in any language. I do a couple of mini-lessons to teach Ss how to "read" them in all their languages--using their "whole linguistic repertoire," as Ofelia Garcia says. #ellchat
